Report: Kings land Hunter from Cavs, send Saric to Bulls in 3-team trade

The Cleveland Cavaliers are trading De'Andre Hunter to the Sacramento Kings for Dennis Schroder and Keon Ellis, sources told ESPN's Shams Charania.

It's a three-team deal that includes the Chicago Bulls acquiring Kings forward Dario Saric and two future second-round picks.

The Cavs create almost $50 million in salary and tax savings this season with the trade, according to Charania, who adds that the move puts Cleveland in a position to get under the second apron next season.

Hunter is an established 3-and-D player who's under contract through 2027. He's averaging 14 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game this season. With the 28-year-old in town, Sacramento will have enough roster flexibility to convert two-way center Dylan Cardwell to a standard NBA deal, Charania notes. Caldwell has stood out as an undrafted rookie, posting 4.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game across 23 appearances.

Schroder and Ellis average 12.8 and 5.6 points, respectively. The former is under contract for three more years and will make around $14 million per season.

Ellis, who's on an expiring contract, is eligible to sign an extension Feb. 9. He remains a solid perimeter defender, having averaged over one steal per game in 2025-26.

The Bulls will waive guard Jevon Carter to create space for Saric, sources told Charania. Saric is on an expiring deal worth $5.4 million.